Tarpaulin mounting frame

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a tarpaulin mounting frame, in particular for a truck or a truck trailer comprising a chassis profile ( 4 ) and an anchor profile ( 5 ) which is provided with a round foot ( 17, 17 ′) on the longitudinal edge thereof oriented towards the tarpaulin ( 19 ). Said foot is insertable or introducible in one or several round slots ( 16, 16 ′) of the chassis profile ( 4 ) or an intermediate profile ( 35 ) connected thereto. The anchor profile ( 5 ) is arranged in a parallel direction with respect to the tensed tarpaulin by rotating around the foot thereof ( 17, 17 ′). The anchor profile ( 5 ) or weatherstrip profile ( 26 ), which is connected in such a way that it is displaceable, is provided with at least one weather-strip reception device ( 22 ). Said invention is characterized in that the anchor profile ( 5 ) contacts the chassis profile ( 4 ) or the intermediate profile ( 35 ) connected thereto between the foot ( 17, 17 ′) of the anchor profile ( 5 ) and the weather-strip reception device ( 22 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is an U.S. national phase application under 35 U.S.C.§371 based upon co-pending International Application No.PCT/AT2004/000072 filed on Mar. 5, 2004. Additionally, this U.S.national phase application claims the benefit of priority of co-pendingInternational Application No. PCT/AT2004/000072 filed on Mar. 5, 2004,Austrian Application No. 367/2003 filed on Mar. 10, 2003 and AustrianApplication No. 1775/2003 filed on Nov. 6, 2003. The entire disclosuresof the prior applications are incorporated herein by reference. Theinternational application was published on Sep. 23, 2004 underPublication No. WO 2004/081908 A1.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention concerns a tightening frame for a tarpaulin, especiallyfor mounting on a truck or truck trailer with a frame profile and ananchor profile that has, on its long edge facing the tarpaulin, arounded-off foot, which can be inserted into one of optionally severalrounded-off grooves of the frame profile or an intermediate profileconnected to it and pivoted in it, in which case the anchor profile, bypivoting around its foot, enters the tightened state of the tarpaulinand a position parallel to the plane of the tarpaulin, and in whicheither the anchor profile or a weather-stripping profile connected topivot with it has at least one receptacle for a weather strip,corresponding to the introductory part of claim 1.

2. Description of the Prior Art

This type of tightening frame is disclosed in WO 01/35382 A. FIGS. 15 to30, in particular, of this document show a variant in which thetightening conditions for the tarpaulin can be easily varied by a numberof parallel ledges, in which the frame is intrinsically secured in therest state by the geometric dimensions, i.e., without additionalfastenings, against undesired opening. However, the following must besaid concerning this:

The upper weatherstrip profile is exposed by the tension of thetarpaulin to a counterclockwise torque, in FIG. 30, around thesuspension point on the frame profile. This would lead to a reduction intension of the tarpaulin, but the weatherstrip profile, due to its edgeextending upward and toward the plane of the frame (not shown), cannotbe rotated so that selected ledges remain fixed on the notch of theframe profile.

The situation is similar on the lower edge of the tarpaulin: tension ofthe tarpaulin exposes the weatherstrip profile to a clockwise torquearound its pseudojoint (roughly in the center of the profile, formed bythe end of the protruding part of the frame profile). Movement in theclockwise direction around this point, however, is hampered by thetarpaulin profile, on which the end of the weatherstrip profile awayfrom the tarpaulin is suspended. This tightening profile is also exposedto a clockwise torque and, on the other hand, is supported on the frame(not shown) with its widely protruding end. However elegant thissolution appears to be at first glance, it is problematic in practice:Because of the far protruding arm of the frame profile on whose ends thepivot axes of the weatherstrip profile are formed as pseudoaxes, largebending moments and bending stresses occur that must be tolerated overthe entire service life of the profile even during rough operationwithout permanent deformation. To this, it must be added that the entiretensile force of the tarpaulin acts on the outermost ends of these arms,which makes an overload very easily possible during application of thetarpaulin by the tightening profile.

Finally, the intrinsic security of the tightening frame dependsexclusively on contact of the outermost edges of the weatherstripprofile or tightening profile on the components that are not part of theframe, which, on the one hand, leads to high bending stresses and thetendency toward plastic deformations or rupture because of the absenceof any other support of this profile and, on the other hand, requirescorresponding design of the components to carry the frame.

The design of the profile is not appropriate for reliably maintainingintrinsic security in the case of vibrations, or in the case ofpenetration and freezing of water in the gaps between the frame or theframe's surroundings and the weatherstrip profile or tightening profile,inevitably causing opening of the tightening frame.

Another drawback is that discrete snap-in possibilities into the profileacting on the tarpaulin are only provided on the tightening sideopposite the tightener or tightening device. Moreover, the profileseparates where no tightening is present, so that handling of thetarpaulin or profile by a single person is almost impossible.

Another type of frame is disclosed in EP 0 495 688 A1 and in a variantthat comes closest to the invention, according to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b ofthis document. However, these figures show a tightening device for atarpaulin in which, even in the end position, a torque always remains inthe opening direction of the tightening device because of tension in thetightened tarpaulin; it is therefore not intrinsically secure. Evenduring the use of fixed poster walls or the like, this tightening devicemust always be additionally secured, which occurs in the depicted caseby an elastic snap connection. This tendency for opening of thetightening device also exists when the two tightening frames are notarranged, as disclosed, normal to the actual tarpaulin surface, but runin the plane of the tarpaulin, since even then the connection ordeflection edges that are necessarily provided cause torque in theopening direction. In addition, the device known from EP 0 495 688 A1offers no possibility for easy and simple adaptation of tightening oradjustments to different tarpaulin sizes, as can be the case, forexample, during expansion of the fabric exposed to tension for a longertime. For example, during adjustment of tarpaulin tightening on theframe, the tightening profile must be threaded around a differentweatherstrip groove.

In comparison with this, the invention seeks to devise a so-calledintrinsically secure tightening device, which is understood to mean adevice that is held in the closed position by the tension in thetarpaulin. The fact that in different applications, such as in thetarpaulins of trucks or the like, additional fastening can be providedas an additional means of security, changes nothing in the objective ofthis intrinsic security.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,227 A discloses a tightening frame similar to theone in the aforementioned documents, but in which the possibility ofsimple and rapid adaptation to alter tightening conditions can beachieved due to the presence of several groove-like recesses (these canalso be called hook-like protrusions). The problem of intrinsicsecurity, however, also fully exists here and is solved by an outerprofile that is snapped over the entire frame so that tilting away ofthe actual tarpaulin holder in the opening direction is prevented. Thetightening devices in this tightening frame also lie in a plane thatruns normal to the plane of the tarpaulin and, unlike EP 0 495 688 A1,an arrangement within or parallel to the plane of the tarpaulin is notpossible here, since securing with the outer profile no longer functionsand the tightening frame can no longer be used.

In comparison with this prior art, the task of the invention is todevise a tightening frame that does not have these drawbacks.

A tightening frame in which the individual frame components are muchmore favorably loaded than in the aforementioned document, but which, asfollows especially from FIGS. 9 and 10, is not intrinsically secure butrequires additional fastening, is known from EP 1 271 456 A. Inaddition, this tightening frame, interestingly, is only adjustable sothat the weatherstrips of the tarpaulin are threaded out over the entirelength of the tightening frame and threaded back into another of thenumerous weatherstrip receptacles of the frame. This need for thethreading in and threading out of the weatherstrip is extremelytime-consuming and irksome, also requiring considerable room because ofthe length of the frame and the rigidity of the weatherstrip, and cannotbe performed everywhere without problems.

This was obviously also recognized by the inventor of the deviceaccording to the aforementioned document, which led to U.S. Pat. No.6,209,245 B, in which the adjustability of tightening is guaranteed by asawtooth profile and a counterprofile, but in which any type oftightening frame that can be mounted by folding or pivoting is dispensedwith and in which intrinsic security also plays no role, since thetightening frame is fastened by screws, which is to be avoided, inprinciple, by the invention and would be permitted only as an additionalexpedient, if at all (prevention of theft, etc.).

WO 03/030133 A discloses a tightening frame that is intrinsicallysecure, but uses a winding bar instead of a weatherstrip to hold thetarpaulin edge, which is rejected by users in practice. The reason forthis rejection is not only the irksome winding of the winding rod withthe tarpaulin edge because it must be precise and in which the edge canbe several meters long, but also the fact that creeping of the tarpaulinalong the winding rod cannot be ruled out over longer periods due totightening of the tarpaulin, especially during vibrations. Also,dimensional changes caused by heat make it so that additional fasteningof the tarpaulin on the winding rod is always necessary in practice,with the advantages of a winding rod relative to the weatherstrip(folding of the tarpaulin is readily possible, and the edge of thetarpaulin requires no special handling) being lost because of this.

Since the intrinsic security of the device according to WO 03/030133 Adepends on the shape of the frame profile, especially in the area of itshook, as well as the intermediate profile adapted to it and the windingrod in order to achieve intrinsic security, this tightening frame couldnot be reconfigured for the use of a weatherstrip profile. To this wemust add that because of the V-shaped design of the hook of the frameprofile, strong bending movements and bending forces are exerted on thehooks, which require a corresponding massive and therefore expensivedesign, similar to the aforementioned WO 01/35382A.

Even if all this is considered and improved, this tightening frame stilllacks easy adjustability, as is already achieved by other already knowntightening frames.

Another tightening frame is known from WO 00/79507 A1. In this case theframe profile has several rows of hook-like protrusions into which acounterhook of the tarpaulin profile can be hooked. This must occurduring tightening of the tarpaulin and requires a tool. Opening of theconnection also requires a tool, so that replacement of the tarpaulin orits tightening, if it has expanded with time, is a demanding process.

A tarpaulin tightener that is actually a type of belt tightener is knownfrom DE 199 15 927 A1 and is connected to the tarpaulin edge by means ofa connection element. A tightener lever then works cooperatively with atarpaulin holder that is adjustable in length and therefore determinesthe tightening. This device is mounted in predetermined spacings alongthe edge of the tarpaulin and adjusted individually, which at firstglance increases the flexibility, but in actual operation only increasesthe adjustment work. Because of individual mounting of each tightener,the cost of installation is high and, during installation, eachindividual tightener must be operated separately, which istime-consuming.

Generally, as stated in WO 00/79507 A1, so-called weatherstrip profilesare commonly used for the fastening of tarpaulins to frames. Theseprofiles are connected around the tarpaulins to the tarpaulin edge andhave a bulge or thickening parallel to the tarpaulin edge that can workwith a counterprofile of the frame. In ordinary, essentially rectangulartarpaulins, two adjacent sides with bulges are pushed into thecounterprofile of a fixed frame; the two other sides are pushed into acounterprofile of a so-called anchor. The fixed frame profiles aremounted on a truck structure, on the house wall, or wherever thetarpaulin is to be fastened, with a counterprofile for the two anchorsbeing fastened at a spacing that essentially corresponds to the spacingof the bulges of the tarpaulin.

These counterprofiles have grooves at relatively narrow spacings, intowhich a ledge of the anchor profile can be pushed. Because of the narrowspacings, it is possible to tighten the tarpaulin accordingly in orderto select the best possible matching groove for introduction of theledge of the anchor. Introduction of the ledge into the groove occurswith a tool, since substantial forces are required to keep the tarpaulintight. In most cases the anchors are then screwed at a certain spacing,but at least in the areas of the corners by screwing with the profilehaving the grooves in order to prevent opening of the clamp duringvibrations, shaking and, for example, during freezing of water that haspenetrated into the area of the groove or ledge.

In most cases it is necessary to provide the frame profile equipped withgrooves on three sides, since insufficient space is generally availablefor insertion of the bulge of the weatherstrip into a fixed frameprofile, so that anchors are provided on three sides of the tarpaulin.The expenditure to be incurred in the course of assembly and disassemblyis significant and ultimately the tight and optically attractiveassembly is formed, as is essential during use of the tarpaulin as anadvertising surface, but because of the precise fastening of theweatherstrip on the tarpaulin edge, corrections to the position of aweatherstrip once installed are almost ruled out. To this we must addthat the ledge of the anchor on three sides of the tarpaulin must beforced into the correct groove of the frame with a tool.

Consequently, there is a demand for a fastening system for a tarpaulinthat does not have the mentioned drawbacks and permits the tarpaulin tobe changed quickly without problems and without tools and, at least inone embodiment, permits the disassembled tarpaulin to be folded orrolled up to the extent that the tarpaulin is acceptable per se withoutadditional restrictions being required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These objectives are achieved according to the invention, with thefeatures defined in the characterizing part of claim 1, in that theanchor profile is supported between its foot and the receptacle for theweatherstrip or the weatherstrip profile on the frame profile or on theintermediate profile connected to it. Dependent claims defineadvantageous modifications of the invention.

Because of this support, the tightening frame in its entirety achieves ahigh mechanical stability and security against undesired opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further explained below with reference to drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows a variant of the invention with several pivot grooves.

FIG. 2 shows another variant.

FIG. 3, with several secondary figures, shows another variant.

FIG. 4 shows a flying weatherstrip profile.

FIGS. 5 to 8 show an embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 9 shows another very user-friendly embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a frame profile 20 with several parallel running grooves 21in which an anchor 5 can be alternately inserted and snapped into one ofseveral grooves 21 corresponding to the individual tarpaulin sizes.Anchor 5 works cooperatively with a weatherstrip (not shown).

The corrugated frame profile 20 is mounted and works cooperatively withan anchor 5 at a matching site on the truck, house wall, or other objectto which the tarpaulin is to be fastened. Anchor 5 has a thickening orbulge 17 on its one end facing the center of the tarpaulin, which workscooperatively with one of the groove-like recesses 21 of profile 20 inthe form of a joint or hinge.

However, the anchor 5 is not designed flat, but matches the corrugatedshape of profile 20, then forms at least one recess, in the depictedpractical example two recesses 22 lying next to each other, into which aweatherstrip can be pushed laterally.

On the end facing away from bulge 17, the anchor carries a bent arm 23that works cooperatively with one of the recesses 21 of profile 20 inthe form of a snap mechanism. An additional safety feature, for example,by screwing, can also be provided. For easier removal of the mountedanchor 5, a shorter stub 24 can be provided next to arm 23 through whichthe upper area of anchor 5 can be bent elastically and can therefore bemore easily released from the snap connection with profile 20.

The position of holder 22 for the weatherstrip relative to snapmechanism 21-23 and rotation point 17-21 means that in the applicationof tension on the tarpaulin in the direction of arrow 2, the “immersion”of arm 22 into groove 21 overcomes the torque around the bulge 17 in itsgroove 21 and the tightening frame is made intrinsically secure.

FIG. 2 shows a variant of the device of FIG. 1 in which tightening ofthe tarpaulin is also used to secure the device in the mounted position:a frame profile 4 is fastened to the object on which the tarpaulin 19 isto be tightened. An anchor profile 5 is rotatable by means of thickening17′ in a recess 16′. The shape of the two profile sections 16′, 17′ isspiral-like, with the two parts together forming a so-called spiralhinge. Such a hinge can be rotated within a predetermined angular range,with further rotation being prevented by shape matching. The two partsthat form such a hinge can only be pushed one into the other in theaxial direction (normal to the plane of the paper) and insertion oneinto the other as permitted by pivot part 17, 21 is ruled out. Becauseof this the two parts are unreleasably joined to each other as long asthey are not pushed axially relative to each other (which, however, iseasy to prevent by end plates), which entails major advantages inpractical use.

The anchor profile 5 has several grooves 21 and ledges 25, which permitadjustment of the weatherstrip, in a similar manner, to thegroove/ledges of the frame profile according to FIG. 4. In the presentexample, however, the weather strip is inserted into its ownweatherstrip holder 26, which is suspended with a hook 27 in thematching groove 21.

The spacings of the joints of the back plane 28 of the frame profile 4so formed now have the following peculiarities: the profile section 29of weatherstrip holder 26, which accommodates the weatherstrip, isdesigned so that the plane of the tarpaulin or tarpaulin [sic] 19 andtherefore the tensile force, lies closer to this plane parallel to theback plane 28 than the rotation point of hook 27 in anchor profile 5.Because of this, a moment in the closure direction (clockwise) isexerted on the weatherstrip holder 26. The rotation point of hook 27again lies closer to the back plane 28 than the rotation point of spiralhinge 16, 17 and anchor profile 5 relative to the (fixed) frame profile4. Because of this, a torque is exerted by the tension in tarpaulin 19from weatherstrip holder 26 on the anchor profile 5 in the closuredirection (counterclockwise).

Since the positions of the corresponding rotational axes in the depicted“mounted state” lie just “on the other side” of a stretched position, adouble dead-point mechanism is involved, in which tarpaulin tighteningensures a secure retention of the closed state. In order to allow forthe effect of vibrations, freezing, and theft protection, etc., anadditional safety means (screws, rivets, etc.) is also recommended inpractice, but the closure is stable in a force-fit manner, which was notso easy to achieve in the prior art. In FIG. 2, a rotatable anchormechanism 42 is shown as one such additional safety means. A holdingdisk 43 can enter via an angle in the undercut groove 44, and byrotation (preferably around 90.degree.) can assume the depictedposition, in which its broad side lies across the groove and thussecures positioning. In both variants a high mechanical stability isachieved by contact of the individual profile parts with each other.

FIG. 3 and its secondary figures show a variant in which a particularlystable connection to the tarpaulin is created by using a weatherstripholder 39 and a two-part anchor profile 35, 38. An intermediate holder35 bent at right angles is suspended at a matching site on a frameprofile 34 with several mounting ledges forming grooves, which has ahook 37 in a spiral shape on its side facing the tarpaulin. By bendingthe intermediate holder 35 at right angles, the hook lies close to thebackside 36 of frame profile 34. The anchor profile 38 in hook 37, asexplained above, is suspended, whereupon a weatherstrip profile 39 isinserted into a protrusion of the anchor profile 38 also designed as aspiral hinge 45. By flipping, the anchor profile up the support ledge 40of the weather strip profile comes in contact with a support ledge 41 ofanchor profile 38 and thus stabilizes the connection.

The forces and moments acting on the individual components are alloriented in the closure direction in the properly closed state, asdepicted in FIG. 6, so that the closure (just as in FIG. 5) isintrinsically secure. This intrinsic security is further increased bythe fact that during suspension of the intermediate profile 35 inanother groove 21, as shown, during closure of the tightening frame amounting ledge 46 of anchor 38 is forced beneath the adjacent ledge 52of the frame profile and thus produces a force-fit fastening. In orderto prevent inadvertent or abusive loosening, screws or the like canadditionally be used, as mentioned above.

The secondary figures show, from the top down, the mobility of thespiral hinge between the intermediate profile 35 and the anchor 38, andshow the limits of this pivotability.

FIG. 4 shows a double weatherstrip holder 47, which makes it possible tofasten finished tarpaulins of uniform size on larger surfaces. Inparticular, tarpaulins that carry advertising and that are produceduniformly in large number by advertising companies, and that can bechanged or adapted in size by the companies that have leased advertisingsurfaces are involved. In order to be able to use such tarpaulins onexisting larger frames, the invention proposes to join the tarpaulins 48by using double weatherstrip holders 47 with end strips 49 of matchingwidth, and mounting this patchwork on the frame.

The use of such double weatherstrip holders has not been possible withthe tightening systems according to the prior art, since duringsuccessive tightening of the tarpaulin along its edge the weatherstripsinvariably slide against each other, and an optically satisfactorilymounting required extremely high demands. Because of the invention, thetarpaulin is simultaneously tightened over the entire length of itsedge, no shear forces occur, and therefore no sliding of the individualtarpaulin parts against each other in the double weatherstrip holderoccurs.

FIGS. 5 to 8 show an embodiment of the invention starting from a variantsimilar to that depicted in FIG. 3. In this variant, it is not possibleto reliably fasten the parts of the frame without a tarpaulin and totransport the individual parts of the frame without problems, especiallyin truck tarpaulins. In a rough operating climate and rough operatingconditions in freight transport, loose individual parts of all types arestrictly frowned upon and are only reluctantly accepted. To solve thisproblem, the following is proposed with regard to the frame according toFIGS. 5 to 8:

The intermediate profile (or intermediate holder) 35 has a stub ledge 50directed toward the frame profile 34 in the area of its right anglebend, which extends into a groove 51 of frame profile 34. In thedepicted “transport position”, the groove is then deeper than the ledgeis high. The frame profile in its upper area in the depiction, in whichit works cooperatively with the mounting ledge 46 of anchor profile 38,has a protrusion 52 that contacts the mounting ledge 46 on its upperflank so that the mounting ledge 46 together with the upper hoop end 53of intermediate profile 35 are axially fixed between the upper ledge 25in which they are suspended and the protrusion 52, i.e., in thetightening direction of the tarpaulin, regardless of whether a tarpaulinis present or not [sic]. This fixation is assumed by the adjacent“upper” ledge 25 during suspension in another ledge 25.

Because of this design, the anchor profile 38 and the intermediateprofile 35 are fixed together at their respective heights and securedagainst rotation due to the interaction between ledge 50 and groove 51.Only during the desired breakdown can the mounting ledge 46 be pulledfrom the intermediate space between protrusion 52 and ledge 25 (orbetween two adjacent ledges 25) by pulling on the anchor profile 38 onits upper end, so that it is possible to move the intermediate profile35 (and anchor profile 38) upward (in the depiction) and bring the hoopend 53 from the hook-like area of ledge 25. The groove 51 must thereforebe deeper than the ledge 50 is high so that this displacement is madepossible.

The weatherstrip profile 39 in this embodiment is secured not only viathe spiral hinge 45, the support ledge 40, and the enclosure of hook 37on anchor profile 38 and on intermediate profile 35, but also by aspring ledge 54 on intermediate profile 35 that engages with the outsideof the weatherstrip area, making any unintended pivoting of theweatherstrip profile 39 around spiral hinge 45 impossible. Only withcorresponding force can a sufficiently large torque be exerted on theweatherstrip profile, which leads to elastic deformation of the springledge to a sufficient degree in order to cause pivoting. The inertialforces occurring during driving without a tarpaulin (and only this typeof force occurs) are too small in magnitude to produce such adeformation.

In the depicted practical examples of FIGS. 2, 3, 8, and 9, the outersurface 58 of weatherstrip holder 26 or anchor profile 38 parallel tothe plane of tarpaulin 19 is designed as a smooth surface. This permitsthe mounting of readily visible, preferably light-reflecting, covers,for example, the gluing on of strips of films that are prescribed by lawas safety markings in traffic on outer surface 58. Naturally the outersurface 58 can also be configured as a light-reflecting surface. Stripsthat, as is now common, are mounted on tarpaulins, for example, bygluing or stitching, cause no problems since the strips are easilyloosened by the continuous movement or vibration of the tarpaulin.Wherever no markings are made on the outer surface 58, the free spacecan also be used for advertising material.

One embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 9. In contrast toFIG. 8, the intermediate profile 35 is displaced by a free angle 55relative to the frame profile so that additional play is produced. Thispermits easier opening of the device when the tarpaulin is to bedisassembled, especially when dirt or small stones still adhere to theinside of the intermediate profile.

A hole or opening 56 in the intermediate profile 35 permits removal ofthe intermediate profile 35 from the hook-like frame profile 34.Openings of this type, which are produced by drilling or punching, andwhich are preferably reinforced in their periphery, can be provided atspecified spacings along the frame.

In order to prevent dust, dirt, moisture, etc., from collecting in thegap between the weatherstrip of the tarpaulin and the weatherstripholder 39, the tarpaulin has an apron-like part 57 in the area of theweatherstrip holder 39, which covers the gap between the weatherstripand the weatherstrip holder 39 on both sides or is forced against it.The apron-like part 57 can be designed either in one piece with thetarpaulin, as shown in FIG. 9, or also applied subsequently, forexample, by gluing, melting on, stitching, etc.

With the explained measures, reliable fastening of the individualcomponents of the frame is therefore achieved even when the tarpaulin ismissing without having to tolerate any adverse effect on the use orhandling of the frame.

The invention is not restricted to the depicted and described practicalexamples, but can be modified in different ways. For example, theprofile parts that form the frame and/or the profile parts that areconnected to the tarpaulin can be designed in many pieces, in whichspacings can be provided between the individual parts. Because of this,weight can be eliminated, the tarpaulin is easier to fold, recesses canbe left open in trucks, and objects that protrude above the tarpaulin inindividual locations can be transported, etc.

1. A tarpaulin mounting frame comprising: a frame profile; anintermediate profile having at least one groove, said intermediateprofile being connectable to said frame profile; an anchor profilehaving at least one receptacle for a weatherstrip holder and arounded-off foot on its edge facing the tarpaulin, said rounded-off footbeing insertable into said groove of said intermediate profile andpivotable therein, said weatherstrip holder being pivotable in saidreceptacle; and a support ledge extending out form said anchor profile,and a support ledge extending out from said weatherstrip holder, whereinpivoting said anchor profile about said support ledge of saidweatherstrip holder until said support ledge of said anchor profilecomes in contact with said support ledge of said weatherstrip holder andthereby stabilizes the connection; wherein said anchor profile reachinga position substantially parallel to the plane of the tarpaulin bypivoting around said foot thereby tightening the tarpaulin, wherein saidanchor profile between said foot and said receptacle for saidweatherstrip holder being in contact with said intermediate profile. 2.The tarpaulin mounting frame as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidanchor profile further comprising a mounting ledge, a spiral endopposite said mounting ledge, and a spiral hinge, said spiral end beingadapted to be received in a hook on said intermediate profile allowingsaid anchor profile to pivot in relation to said intermediate profile.3. The tarpaulin mounting frame as set forth in claim 2 furthercomprising a protrusion located above an upper most ledge on said frameprofile, said protrusion being adapted to secure said mounting ledge ofsaid anchor profile together with an upper hoop end on said intermediateprofile when said anchor profile is pivoted toward said intermediateprofile.
 4. The tarpaulin mounting frame as set forth in claim 2 furthercomprising a spiral ledge located adjacent said hook of saidintermediate profile, said spiral ledge provides a resistance force tosaid weatherstrip holder.
 5. The tarpaulin mounting frame as set forthin claim 3 further comprising a groove defined at the end of said frameprofile below said upper most ledge, and a stub ledge located on saidintermediate profile adapted to be received in said groove of said frameprofile.
 6. The tarpaulin mounting frame as set forth in claim 1,wherein the outer surface of said weatherstrip holder has alight-reflecting surface.
 7. The tarpaulin mounting frame as set forthin claim 1, wherein the outer surface of said anchor has alight-reflecting surface.